-Unlove You-
By: Fantasy Wings
I smiled as I felt his embrace grow tighter around my waist, and I felt his hands caress my cheeks gently. We were silent that night. And it was no surprise, since the announcement my father had made upon the arrival of the Prince of Nabradia. I held tightly to his arms, feeling so comforted. I had a duty to perform to my people, I knew that. But to be married to another man when I had found my true love, let alone in the midst of war! It was to unify the kingdoms of Dalmasca and Nabradia for the coming war against the Archadian Empire. But I knew not to whether perform my duty, or to follow my heart. "Ashelia," he suddenly spoke, pointing towards the sky. His finger directed my eyes towards a star shining brilliantly among the others. "Do you see that star, love?" He asked. I nodded my head as he continued speaking. "That is our star." He lowered his hand and kissed the back of my head gently. "Even when you are married to Lord Rasler, as long as that star shines in the sky, it shines in the presence of true love." When he mentioned the name of my fiancée, I let loose the tears I had been suppressing the entire evening. He noticed this at once, and he turned me so that I would face him. "My Princess," he murmured. "Why do you weep?" I let him wipe my tears away with his hand as I looked up at him. A dire thought entered my mind, and I prepared myself to ask this. "B-b-but Basch…" I whimpered. "What if I…" I forced my lips to speak, knowing that it was better he knew immediately. "What if I fall in love with him?" To my surprise, Basch merely smiled and held me closer in his embrace. "Then I will rejoice for you," he answered. "But Basch!" I cried. Tears rolled down my cheeks faster as I nearly yelled at him. "But I can't unlove you! Can't do that! No matter how I try I'll never turn my back on someone who loves me, too… I can do most anything I have to…" Basch silenced me with a kiss and I gladly accepted. I let my hands rest on his cheeks, and he held me closer to deepen the kiss. When we had both pulled away, I stared deep into his eyes and let more tears fall down my cheeks again. "I can't unlove you," I whispered as I rested my head on his chest and both of us gazed up at our star, cherishing our final night as lovers.